By Peter Falussy | Last Updated: December 23, 2025
💡 Quick Answer for Busy Travelers
Budget car rental in Albania starts from €15-25/day (low season), but expect €40-65+ in summer. Book 30-60 days ahead for the best deals.
Top tip: Always choose a “Full-to-Full” fuel policy to save money.
Need Automatic? Expect ~30% higher rates. Platforms like DiscoverCars usually have the widest selection during summer.
Need 4×4 for Theth? Rent a Dacia Duster via Localrent.
Staying 1 Month+? Monthly deals can drop to €12/day in winter.
How Much Does it Cost a Cheap Car Rental in Albania
When I first visited Albania in 2023, I made a costly mistake: I tried relying on buses. After missing two connections and wasting half a day in Berat, I finally rented a car — and it transformed my entire trip. Suddenly, hidden beaches like Gjipe, mountain passes to Valbona, and village tavernas became accessible. Here’s exactly how to rent a car in Albania without breaking the bank.
When planning your trip, understanding these seasonal price variations is essential for budgeting smartly. Below, we’ve summarized the average daily rental rates by season to help you find the best deal and travel stress-free.
For a city-specific breakdown and cost-saving tips, check out our full article on cheap car rental in Tirana, where prices differ slightly from airport rentals.
Looking for cheap rentals on the coast? Our Saranda car hire guide covers local options, prices, and access to Ksamil. If you’re headed toward southern gems like the vivid turquoise beaches near Ksamil, this Ksamil car rental guide shares local tips on where to pick up a car, how to avoid high-season markups, and the smoothest ways to get around.
If you’re flying into the south, check out our Vlora Airport rental guide to see how it compares in terms of convenience and pricing.
What Makes Prices Go Up?
Several factors influence car rental prices in Albania:
- Booking last minute (especially in summer) can double your cost.
- Automatic cars are 20-30% more expensive than manual transmission vehicles.
- Airport pick-ups may include extra fees (€10 – €25).
- Extras like GPS (€5 – €10/day), child seats (€5 – €8/day), or additional drivers (€3 – €7/day) can quickly add up.
💡 Curious what these extras cost — and how to avoid nasty surprises?
Recommended Booking Window for Best Prices
Saving money on your rental car doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve compiled the top proven strategies to help you rent a car in Albania without breaking the bank. Explore these actionable tips below!
| Season | Recommended Booking Time | Why? |
| Low Season | 2-3 weeks in advance | Good availability, low demand |
| Shoulder Season | 4-6 weeks in advance | Best balance of price and choice |
| High Season | 2-3 months in advance | Limited cars, high prices, last-minute |
If you’re specifically looking to rent in the capital, our dedicated Tirana car rental guide offers detailed price insights, booking tips, and local comparisons.
Essential Tips for Cheap Car Rental:
If you’re planning to rent a car in Albania during the summer months (July & August), booking your vehicle 60+ days in advance is highly recommended. Not only will you save up to 40% compared to last-minute prices, but you’ll also have a much better selection, especially if you need an automatic car or a specific model.
Where to Find the Cheap Car Rental Deals in Albania
Finding cheap car rental in Albania isn’t just about price — it’s about booking smart on the right platform.
Each booking site has different strengths. Below, I’ll show you where to look depending on your travel style and needs.
Trusted International Platforms for Car Hire
For international travellers arriving at Tirana Airport, platforms like DiscoverCars provide a streamlined booking experience, often with full insurance and reliable support.
Perfect for:
- Airport pick-up in Tirana or coastal cities
- Travelers looking for maximum convenience
- Standardized contracts and clear terms
Trustpilot Rating: 4.6/5
“Overall a friendly and pleasant experience. Website had Clear set of choices and information. Overall service of the rental company was good for us. They sent us a WhatsApp message with exact location where to find them. Our point of contact was Orgis, was friendly and gave us some nice recommendations for our trip to the south of Albania. While we were given a bigger class car, it also added some extra cost for the insurance that we purchased there”, wrote D.Saha on Trustpilot in 2024.
Best Options for Cross-Border Road Trips
Planning to cross into Montenegro or Greece? Local platforms such as Localrent.com often offer rentals with Green Card included and low-deposit policies.
Perfect for:
- Multi-country itineraries
- Long-term rentals
- Low deposit or cash payments
Trustpilot Rating: 4.8/5
This is the second time I use the services of D Rental. I rented a Volkswagen Passat CC 2.0 turbodiesel for 4 days of travel around Albania. The car is in very good condition and configuration, it brought only positive emotions and comfort during the trip. The owner was always in touch with any questions of interest, which is very important for tourists!Very wonderful communication with managers from receiving the car to its return”, reported back on 2 May 2025 by a user, Mykhaylo Krayev on the Trustilot platform.
Renting from Locals: For a Personal Touch
If you prefer a direct connection with local car owners — especially in smaller towns like Shkoder or Gjirokaster — services like Rent from Locals offer cash payments and flexible terms.
Ideal for:
- Rural area pick-ups (Shkoder, Berat, Gjirokaster)
- Cash payment options
- Direct communication with local hosts
“Good prices, no need credit card.” — Customer (LT), Trustpilot Review (January 2025)
How to Save Money on Car Hire in Albania
Renting a car in Albania is already cheaper than in many European countries — but if you apply these smart travel tips, you can save even more without sacrificing safety or convenience.
1. Book Early — Ideally 30-60 Days in Advance
This is the #1 rule of cheap car hire in Albania. Booking early is a proven method to secure a cheap car rental Albania offer during high seasons.
| Booking Time | Expected Daily Price | Availability |
| 60+ days before trip | €20 – €25/day | Best selection, lowest rates |
| 30-60 days before trip | €25 – €30/day | Good availability |
| Last-minute (0-7 days) | €40 – €65/day | Limited cars, highest prices |
💡 My Experience: I once booked 60 days early and paid €25/day.
My travel partner booked 10 days before the same trip and paid €58/day
for an identical car. That’s €231 extra for procrastinating.
2. Compare Prices Across Trusted Platforms
Always check offers on multiple websites:
- DiscoverCars — International brands, full insurance options
- Localrent.com — Ideal for cross-border travel
- Rent from Locals — Direct contact with Albanian owners
3. Choose Manual Transmission
Manual cars are cheaper and more common in Albania.
| Transmission | Daily Price Difference |
| Manual | €25/day average |
| Automatic | €35 – €50/day average |
4. Avoid Airport Pick-Up Fees (If Possible)
Airport locations often charge €10 – €25 extra for parking or handling fees.
5. Pay Attention to Fuel Policy
Always choose “Full to Full” — it’s standard and prevents overpaying for fuel.
Avoid “Full to Empty” unless the deal is excellent — rental companies charge €2 – €3 more per liter.
6. Limit Extras You Don’t Need
Avoid paying extra for:
- GPS (€5 – €10/day) — Use Google Maps offline
- Child seats (€5 – €8/day) — Bring your own
- Wi-Fi hotspot (€5/day) — Use your mobile data
While electric cars aren’t yet mainstream in Albania, options are growing — especially in Tirana and along the southern coast. If you’re curious about EV rentals, charging points, and whether they make financial sense for your route, explore our guide to electric car rental in Albania.
7. Look for Unlimited Mileage Offers
Driving distances can add up fast, especially if exploring rural Albania or the coast.
DiscoverCars and Localrent.com often include unlimited mileage, but always check!
8. Check for Low Deposit or No Deposit Rentals
International brands may block €500 – €1000 on your credit card.
Localrent.com or Rent from Locals often require only €0 – €200, and may allow cash payments.
9. Inspect the Car Thoroughly at Pick-Up
Take 10-15 photos of the car — exterior, interior, wheels, and fuel level.
This will protect you from unfair damage claims.
10. Read Real Customer Reviews Before Booking
Reviews on Trustpilot or Google Maps can reveal hidden fees or poor services.
🛒 Ready to compare rental platforms?
See full offer here:
| Platform | Best for | Deposit policy | Booking link |
|---|---|---|---|
| DiscoverCars | Airport pickups, full insurance | Credit card only | Compare on DiscoverCars |
| Localrent.com | Cross-border, flexible durations | Low deposit or cash OK | Check Localrent Deals |
| Rent from Locals | Budget trips, personal connection | Often no deposit | Browse Offers |
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For When Renting a Car in Albania
Cheap car rental in Albania can turn expensive fast — unexpected hidden fees can quickly add up if you’re not prepared. Some hidden fees can turn a seemingly cheap rental into a costly one, so understanding the full contract is crucial when booking cheap car rental Albania services. f you are a student or a traveller under 25, the ‘young driver fee’ is the quickest way to ruin a cheap deal. Check my guide on car rental in Albania under 25 to see which local fleets charge €0 in extra age surcharges. Below, we highlight the most common extra charges travelers should be aware of to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Here’s exactly what to check before booking.
1. Extra Driver Fee
Adding a second driver often costs €3 – €7/day.
Tip: Some local companies (via Localrent.com or Rent from Locals) include a second driver for free — always read the details.
2. Young Driver Surcharge
If you’re under 23-25 years old, expect to pay €5 – €10/day extra.
3. Out-of-Hours Pick-Up or Drop-Off Fee
Late-night or early-morning pick-ups at Tirana Airport often cost €15 – €25 extra.
Tip: Rent from Locals is usually more flexible with pick-up hours, especially in smaller towns.
4. Fuel Policy Traps
Always choose “Full to Full” — pick up the car with a full tank and return it full.
Avoid “Full to Empty” unless the deal is excellent — rental companies charge €2 – €3 more per liter.
Albania fuel prices in 2025:
| Fuel Type | Average Price per Liter |
| Diesel | €1.75 – €1.85 |
| Petrol | €1.80 – €1.90 |
5. Deposit Block on Credit Card
| Platform | Typical Deposit |
| DiscoverCars (international brands) | €500 – €1000 |
| Localrent.com | €0 – €200 |
| Rent from Locals | €0 – €200 |
Some local companies allow cash payments — great for travelers without a high credit card limit.
6. Cleaning Fee
Returning the car dirty (sand from beaches, mud from mountains) might cost €20 – €50 in cleaning fees.
Tip: Use a local car wash for €5 – €10 before returning the car.
7. Cross-Border Fee
Planning to visit Montenegro, Greece, or Kosovo?
Expect to pay €20 – €50 for the Green Card (international insurance) — unless included.
Localrent.com specializes in cross-border rentals — check their offers for Balkan trips.
8. Late Return Fee
Even being 1 hour late can cost you a full extra day.
Plan extra time when returning the car, especially before flights.
Always read the rental terms carefully before booking. Never underestimate the value of real customer reviews—platforms like Trustpilot provide real-world feedback about hidden fees and service quality. By following these tips, securing a cheap car rental Albania experience in 2026 becomes easy, letting you focus on enjoying the breathtaking journey ahead.
FAQ – Cheap Car Rental in Albania
1. When is the cheapest time to rent a car in Albania?
April, May, and October offer the lowest car rental prices in Albania, starting from €20-25/day.
2. How far in advance should I book for the best price?
Book 30-60 days in advance for the best deals, especially during summer (July-August).
3. Can I rent a car in Albania without a credit card?
Yes — local providers via Localrent.com or Rent from Locals often accept debit cards or even cash for low deposits.
4. Is full insurance worth it in Albania?
Definitely. Full insurance covers scratches, dents, and damage from narrow village roads — usually adding €5-10/day to your rental.
5. Can I drive my rental car to other countries?
Yes — with permission and a Green Card. Localrent.com is perfect for cross-border rentals in the Balkans.
6. The cheapest way to rent a car in Albania?
The cheapest way is to book early (1-2 months ahead), choose a manual transmission, and use trusted platforms like DiscoverCars. Avoid extras you don’t need.
7. The best car rental deals at Tirana Airport — where to find them?
Use DiscoverCars for international brands or Rent from Locals for local providers. Booking early guarantees the lowest rates.
8. How to avoid car rental scams in Albania?
Use well-reviewed platforms like Localrent.com. Read the rental terms, check the fuel policy, and inspect the car carefully before driving away.
9. Can I rent a car in Albania with a debit card?
Yes, many local companies allow it. Localrent.com and Rent from Locals often offer this flexibility, while international brands usually require a credit card.
Summary of Best Practices:
- Book your car 30-60 days in advance for the best price.
- Compare offers on multiple platforms — don’t rely on just one site.
- Choose a manual transmission for lower rates.
- Always check for hidden fees (fuel policy, deposits, extra driver charges).
- Read real customer reviews on Trustpilot before booking.
- Select the right platform based on your travel style.
Inaccessible by bus
Many of Albania’s most scenic spots — from Theth to Ksamil’s beaches — are simply inaccessible by bus, making car rental essential for independent travelers.
About the Author
As a property owner on the Albanian coast, I not only rent out holiday apartments but also travel and document the country extensively. My articles share first-hand tips about accommodation, beaches, hikes, and prices in Albania, including practical advices. This article may contain affiliate links — at no extra cost to you — which help keep this site running. I only recommend services I’ve tested or verified personally. Thanks for reading and supporting independent travel content!
Most photos in this article are my own, taken during travels across Albania. Other sources are credited where used.
